Methods, systems, and devices for establishing an active subscription for services of a mobile network

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, detecting an expiration of a subscription associated with a communication device, wherein the subscription is for services of a mobile network, and enabling an interim profile that provides the communication device with limited connectivity over the mobile network, wherein the limited connectivity facilitates communication with a subscription manager node of the mobile network. Various embodiments can include communicating with the subscription manager node to establish an active subscription for services of the mobile network and enabling an operational profile comprising subscription information associated with the active subscription. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to methods, systems, and devices forestablishing an active subscription for services of a mobile network.

BACKGROUND

Communication devices can be registered on mobile networks to beprovided services, such as location, voice, video, messaging, and datacommunication services. These communication devices can include mobiledevices, sensors, power meters and other Internet of Things (IoT)devices. In the event that a subscription for services has expired forthe communication devices, renewal of the subscription to one mobilenetwork or migrating to another mobile network can be a manual laborintensive process including manual provisioning the communicationdevices with new registration information to renew subscription ofservices on one mobile network or migrating to another mobile network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIGS. 2A-2D are block diagrams illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of systems functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGS. 2E-F depict illustrative embodiments of methods in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGS. 8-9 depict illustrative embodiments of methods in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a first operating environment in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a second operating environment in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a third operating environment in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 13 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first method.

FIG. 14 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a second method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for using limited connectivity provided by an interimprofile to establish an active subscription for services of a mobilenetwork. Some embodiments can include enabling the interim profile toestablish limited connectivity facilitating communication with asubscription manager node of the mobile network. Various embodiments caninclude communicating with the subscription manager node to establish anactive subscription for services of the mobile network and enabling anoperational profile comprising subscription information associated withthe active subscription. Other embodiments are described in the subjectdisclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a communicationdevice, comprising a processing system including a processor, and amemory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessing system, facilitate performance of operations. The operationscan comprise detecting an expiration of a subscription associated withthe communication device, wherein the subscription is for services of amobile network, and enabling an interim profile that provides thecommunication device with limited connectivity over the mobile network,wherein the limited connectivity facilitates communication with asubscription manager node of the mobile network. Further operations cancomprise communicating with the subscription manager node to establishan active subscription for services of the mobile network and enablingan operational profile comprising subscription information associatedwith the active subscription.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a machine-readablemedium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations. The operations can comprise detecting an expiration of asubscription associated with a communication device, wherein thesubscription is for services of a mobile network, and enabling aninterim profile that provides the communication device with limitedconnectivity over the mobile network, wherein the limited connectivityfacilitates communication with a subscription manager node of the mobilenetwork. Further operations can comprise communicating with thesubscription manager node to establish an active subscription forservices of the mobile network and enabling an operational profilecomprising subscription information associated with the activesubscription.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method. Themethod can comprise detecting an expiration of a subscription associatedwith a communication device, wherein the subscription is for services ofa mobile network, and enabling an interim profile that provides thecommunication device with limited connectivity over the mobile network,wherein the limited connectivity facilitates communication with asubscription manager node of the mobile network. Further operations cancomprise communicating with the subscription manager node to establishan active subscription for services of the mobile network and enablingan operational profile comprising subscription information associatedwith the active subscription.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a communications network 100 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. For example,communications network 100 can facilitate in whole or in partcommunication devices sharing bootstrap profiles to provide limitedservices and communication devices sharing operational profiles toprovide subscription services. In particular, a communications network125 is presented for providing broadband access 110 to a plurality ofdata terminals 114 via access terminal 112, wireless access 120 to aplurality of mobile devices 124 and vehicle 126 via base station oraccess point 122, voice access 130 to a plurality of telephony devices134, via switching device 132 and/or media access 140 to a plurality ofaudio/video display devices 144 via media terminal 142. In addition,communication network 125 is coupled to one or more content sources 175of audio, video, graphics, text and/or other media. While broadbandaccess 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130 and media access 140are shown separately, one or more of these forms of access can becombined to provide multiple access services to a single client device(e.g., mobile devices 124 can receive media content via media terminal142, data terminal 114 can be provided voice access via switching device132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

FIGS. 2A-2D are block diagrams illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of systems functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein. Referring toFIG. 2A, in one or more embodiments, system 200 a can comprise a firstnetwork node 202 a communicatively coupled to a first base station 206 aover a communication network 204 a. The communication network 204 a canbe a wired communication network, wireless communication networks, or acombination thereof. Further, the system 200 a can comprise the firstbase station 206 a being communicatively coupled, over a wirelesscommunication network 208 a (e.g. cellular network), to severalcommunication devices 212, 214, 216 including a mobile device 212associated with a user 210, sensors 214, and smart power meters 216 thatcan be associated with an entity (e.g. company, enterprise, etc.). Themobile device can comprise a mobile phone, smartphone, laptop computer,tablet computer, smart watch, wearable device, or some other mobilecomputing device. The sensors and smart power meters can be IoT devicesthat are owned or operated by a company or some other entity to gatherdata to process. Further, the communication devices 212, 214, 216 canalso include IoT devices, including smart appliances, smart light bulbs,smart sprinklers, smart thermostats, vehicle communication systems, etc.The communication devices 212, 214, 216 may each have a respectiveexpired subscription for services and the user/owner/operator of thecommunication devices 212, 214, 216 can renew each respectivesubscription for services, subscribe to different services, or migrateto a different mobile network to subscribe for services, as describedherein.

In addition, the first network node 202 a and first base station 206 aand parts of communication network 204 a can be part of a first mobilenetwork operated by a first mobile network operator. In one or moreembodiments, each user/owner/operator 210 of communication devices 212,214, 216 may have entered into a subscription for services that includelocation services, voice, video, messaging, and communication services,and/or data communication services. At some point in time, thesubscription of services may have expired. Previous to the expiration ofthe subscription for services, any of the communication devices 212,214, 216 may be provisioned with an operational profile 218 a, 220 a,222 a by the first mobile network operator. An operational profile cancomprise information that includes a combination of mobile networkoperator data, credentials, and applications provisioned to an embeddeduniversal integrated circuit card or any component performing thefunction of an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) of anyof the communication devices 212, 214, 216. Further, the eUICC can be anembedded, non-removeable card inside any of the communication devices212, 214, 216 in which the operational profile can be installed. Whenthe subscription for services expires, the first mobile networkoperator, via over-the-air (OTA) communications, can trigger a fallbackattribute on any of the communication devices 212, 214, 216 to convertthe operational profile 218 a, 220 a, 222 a to a bootstrap (orprovisioning) profile. A bootstrap (or provisioning) profile cancomprise information that includes a combination of mobile networkoperator data, credentials and applications provisioned to an eUICC ofany of the communication devices 212, 214, 216 for providing networkservices by the first mobile network operator solely for the purpose ofobtaining/downloading/converting to an operational profile, which theoperational profile can then allow any of the communication devices 212,214, 216 to register for (different) subscription services (or renewedsubscription services).

In one or more embodiments, the user/owner/operator 210 of communicationdevices 212, 214, 216 may renew the subscription for services, if theservices according to the previous subscription are no longer available,or if the needs of any one of the communication devices 212, 214, 216change, the user/owner/operator 210 of may select different services fora new subscription. The renewal of the same services or subscription ofdifferent services can be done over a wireless communication network 208a (e.g. cellular network) when a WiFi network or a wired connection (eg.USB connection to a laptop computer) is unavailable.

In one or more embodiments, the network node 202 a can detect, over acellular network, the bootstrap profile 218 b, 220 b, 222 b (in which,in some embodiments, the bootstrap profile was converted from anoperational profile) on any one of the communication devices 212, 214,216. In further embodiments, the network node 202 a can provide, overthe cellular network, limited services to any one of the communicationdevices 212, 214, 216. The limited services allows theuser/owner/operator 210 of the communication devices 212, 214, 216 torenew or newly subscribe for a second subscription for a second group ofservices. The renewal or new subscription may involve one or more othernetwork devices (including the communication devices 212, 214, 216).Further, the network node 202 a can obtain subscription information fora second subscription for a second group of services from one or more ofthese other network devices.

In additional embodiments, the providing of the limited services to thecommunication device can comprise providing, over the cellular network,a list of services to any one of the communication devices 212, 214, 216that includes the second group of services. Further, the obtaining ofsubscription information can comprise receiving, over the cellularnetwork, a selection of the second group of services from any one of thecommunication devices 212, 214, 216. The providing of the list ofservices to some of the communication devices 212, 214, 216 such asmobile device 212 can be through a mobile application on the mobiledevice 212, through a text message, or presented at a user interface ofthe particular device (e.g. graphical user interface of a smartrefrigerator). The receiving of the selection of the second group ofservices can be from the mobile application or through a text message.

In further embodiments, renewal of a subscription can be for a sensorbut the entity (user or enterprise) associated with the sensor canprovide input to renew an expired subscription through a mobile phone ofthe user (through a mobile application or text message) or anadministrative web interface in the case of an enterprise. The networkdevice 202 a can provide a message (through text messaging applicationor another mobile application) and provide access to a website byproviding a link to the website in the message. Referring to FIG. 2D, inother embodiments, the providing of the limited services to thecommunication devices 212, 214, 216 can comprise providing access to awebsite hosted on a web server 232 that presents a list of services 234for the any of the communication devices 212, 214, 216 that includes thesecond group of services. In addition, the obtaining of subscriptioninformation can comprise receiving a selection of the second group ofservices from the web server 232 (i.e. another network device) by user210.

Referring back to FIG. 2A, in one or more embodiments, the providing ofthe limited services can indicate to the first network node 202 a andother network devices on the first mobile network to allow any one ofthe communication devices 212, 214, 216 to contact a first mobilenetwork operator personnel through customer care system such as, but notlimited to, a calling a customer care representative, texting a customercare representative, instant messaging through a chat session with acustomer care representative, and/or video conferencing with a customercare representative. The user/owner/operator 210 of communicationdevices 212. 214. 216 can then indicate to the customer carerepresentative their selection of location, voice, video, messaging,and/or data communication services as part the second group of servicesto be provided to any one of the communication devices 212, 214, 216.The network node 202 a can receive the selection from a network deviceassociated with the customer care representative as part of theobtaining of subscription information for the second group of services.

In one or more embodiments, a network device that includes a profilemanagement system 226 a can manage whether a communication device 212,214, 216 has an active operational profile or an inactive operationalprofile due to an expired subscription for services. Such embodimentscan include a network device 202 a receiving a message from another(e.g. billing, administrative, etc.) network device that that thesubscription for services for any one of the communication devices 212,214, 216 has expired. The profile management system 226 a for the mobilenetwork can maintain or manage a list of IMSIs 227A associated withcommunication devices 212, 214, 216 with expired subscriptions. That is,once the network node 202 a determines one of the communication devices212, 214, 216 has an expired subscription, it can notify the profilemanagement system to list the IMSI for such a communication device 212,214, 216 on the IMSI list 227 a for communication devices with expiredsubscription. In some embodiments, such a notification can include theIMSI of the communication device 212, 214, 216. In other embodiments,the network node 202 a can send a notification to the profile managementsystem 226 a that a communication device 212, 214, 216, has an inactiveoperational profile. The notification can include identificationinformation such as an IMSI for the operational profile. In suchembodiments, the profile management system 226 a can obtain the IMSI forthe communication device 212, 214, 216 from another network deviceaccording to the operational profile. Subsequently, if any of thesecommunication devices 212, 214, 216 attempt to register with the firstmobile network, the profile management system 226 a checks the IMSI list227 a, and if the IMSI associated with the communication device 212,214, 216 is listed therein, treats the operational profile with whichthe communication device 212, 214, 216 attempts to register as abootstrap profile. Thus, the network device 202 a provides limitedservices, described herein, to allow the user/operator/owner 210 of thecommunication device 212, 214, 216 to only renew its subscription orsubscribe for a new subscription.

Referring to FIG. 2B, in one or more embodiments, any of thecommunication devices 212, 214, 216 are provisioned with two profiles,an operational profile 218 a, 220 a, 222 a, and a bootstrap profile 218b, 220 b, 222 b. In further embodiments, the operational profiles 218 a,220 a, 222 a can include a Fallback Attribute, that when triggered,makes an operational profile inactive. In additional embodiments, whenany of the communication devices 212, 214, 216 attempts to register withthe first mobile network after its subscription for services hasexpired, the communication device 212, 214, 216 would use the bootstrapprofile 218 b, 220 b, 222 b to register with the first mobile network.The network device 202 a, upon detecting the bootstrap profile 218 b,220 b, 222 b, provides limited services, as described herein, to thecommunication device 212, 214, 216 for the purpose of renewing thesubscription for a first group of services or subscribing to a newsubscription for a second group of services.

In one or more embodiments, once a user/owner/operator 210 of thecommunication devices 212, 214, 216 renews or subscribes to asubscription using the limited services, the network device 202 a canadjust the operational profile 218 a, 220 a, 222 a, via OTAcommunications, on a communication device 212, 214, 216. The adjustingof the operational profile 218 a, 220 a, 222 a can be according to therenewed subscription or a new subscription. That is, the adjusting ofthe operational profile can comprise providing the OTA communicationsthat include instructions to trigger the Fallback Attribute to make theoperational profile active. In other embodiments, the adjusting of theoperational profile can include the network device 202 a provisioning,through OTA communications, a different operational profile 218 a, 220a, 222 a, to the communication devices 212, 214, 216 according to itrenewing its subscription or subscribing to different services. Inadditional embodiments, any one of the operational profiles 218 a, 220a, 222 a, or bootstrap profiles 218 b, 220 b, 222 b, can be called aneSIM. That is, eSIM can be a term that applies to an operational profileor a bootstrap profile, accordingly.

In one or more embodiments, the user/owner/operator 210 of communicationdevice 212, 214, 216 may not renew an expired subscription but select adifferent subscription with a second group of services. In suchembodiments, communication device 212, 214, 216 can use the sameoperational profile 218 a, 220 a, 222 a to register with the mobilenetwork to access the newly subscribed second group of services. Thatis, upon selecting the different subscription for the second group ofservices, the network node 202 a tracks that this different subscriptionfor the second group of services is associated with the operational 218a, 220 a, 222 a profile already provisioned on the communication device212, 214, 216. When registering the communication device 212, 214, 216with operational profile 218 a, 220 a, 222 a, the network node 202 a canprovide the second group of services, accordingly.

In one or more embodiments, the network node 202 a can obtain an IMSIfor any one of the communication devices 212, 214, 216 from acorresponding bootstrap profile 218 b, 220 b, 222 b. The obtained IMSIcan be provided to the profile management system 226 a. The profilemanagement system 226 a can identify that the IMSI is on the IMSI list227 a to determine that the communication device 212, 214, 216 beprovided limited services to renew its subscription or newly subscribeto different services.

Referring to FIG. 2C, in one or more embodiments, at some point in time,the contractual relationship between the user and the first mobilenetwork operator, and between the entities that own or operate any oneof the communication devices 212, 214, 216, and the first mobile networkoperator may have been terminated or the subscription for the firstgroup or services may have expired. Consequently, a user/owner/operator210 communication devices 212, 214, 216 can migrate, contract, orsubscribe with a second mobile network operator to provide location,voice, video, messaging and/or data communication services for any oneof the communication devices 212, 214, 216.

In one or more embodiments, the system 200 c can comprise a secondnetwork node 202 b communicatively coupled to a second base station 206b over a communication network 204 b. The communication network 204 bcan be a wired communication network, wireless communication networks,or a combination thereof. Further, the system 200 b can comprise thesecond base station 206 b being communicatively coupled, over a wirelesscommunication network 208 b (e.g. cellular network), to severalcommunication devices 212, 214, 216 including the mobile deviceassociated with user 210, the sensors, and the smart power meters. Inaddition, the second network node 202 b and second base station 206 band parts of communication network 204 b can be part of a second mobilenetwork operated by a second mobile network operator.User/owner/operator 210 of communication device 212, 214, 216 may havecontracted (e.g. entered into a subscription) with the second mobilenetwork operator to provide location, voice, video, messaging, and/ordata communication services for the communication devices 212, 214, 216,after expiration of the subscription of a first group of service withthe first mobile network operator as part of migrating from the firstmobile network to the second mobile network. A user can include anentity that could include an enterprise.

In one or more embodiments, communication devices 212, 214, 216 may havebeen provisioned with a bootstrap profile 218 b, 220 b, 222 b toregister for limited services with second mobile network operator in thesecond mobile network prior to expiration of the subscription with thefirst mobile network operator. The bootstrap profile 218 b, 220 b, 222 bcan be provisioned on the subscriber identification module (SIM), eSIM,or removeable SIM associated with any of the communication devices 212,214, 216. In some embodiments, there can be a roaming agreement betweenthe first mobile network operator and the second mobile network operatorto allow for limited services to be provided to any one of thecommunication devices 212, 214, 216 by the second mobile networkoperator.

In one or more embodiments, the second network node 202 b can detect abootstrap profile 218 b, 220 b, 222 b, over the cellular network, on oneor more communication devices 212, 214, 216. The detection of thebootstrap profile can be done when a WiFi network or wired connection(e.g. through a USB connection on a laptop computer) is unavailable tothe communication devices. In addition, the second network node 202 bcan provide the limited services to the one or more communicationdevices 212, 214, 216. These limited services can include limitedconnectivity to the second mobile network, as described herein.

In one or more embodiments, the communication devices 212, 214, 216 cansubscribe to subscription services such as location, voice, video,messaging, and/or data communication services using the limitedservices. The network device 202 b can then provision, using OTAcommunications, an operational profile 218 a, 220 a, 222 a to thecommunication device 212, 214, 216 so that it can register with thesecond mobile network and receive the newly subscribed subscriptionservices. That is, the second network node 202 b can detect theoperational profile 218 a, 220 a, 222 a on communication device 212,214, 216 and provide a second group of services for the new subscriptionof services according to the operational profile.

FIGS. 2E-F depict illustrative embodiments of methods in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. Aspects of the methods can beimplemented by one or more network nodes and/or a communication devicethat can include any one of mobile device, sensors, and smart powermeters, as described in FIGS. 2A-2D. Referring to FIG. 2E, in one ormore embodiments, a communication device can be provisioned with anoperational profile and a bootstrap profile. The method 240 can includethe network node, at 241, determining a first subscription associatedwith a communication device has expired. The first subscription is for afirst group of services for a mobile network. Further, the method 240can include the network node, at 242, providing instructions, over themobile network via over-the-air (OTA) communications, to thecommunication device to trigger a fallback attribute. The triggering ofthe fallback attribute causes the operational profile to be inactive bythe communication device.

In one or more embodiments, some time later, the user/owner/operator ofthe communication device decides to renew or newly subscribe for asecond group of services with the mobile network operator from themobile network. Consequently, method 240 can include the network node,at 244, receiving, over the mobile network, a first registration requestfrom the communication device. That is, the communication device isattempting to register with the bootstrap profile. In addition, method240 can include the network node, at 245, detecting, over the mobilenetwork, the bootstrap profile on the communication device. Also, method240 can include the network node, at 246, providing, over the mobilenetwork, according to the bootstrap profile, limited services to thecommunication device to subscribe to a second subscription for a secondgroup of services, as described herein. Note, in some embodiments, thefirst group of services and the second group of services may be thesame. The method 240 can include the network node, at 247, facilitating,enabling or allowing the communication device renewing or newlysubscribing for the second subscription for a second group of services.Further, the method 240 can include the network node, at 248, obtainingsubscription information for the second subscription for the secondgroup of services from a network device. For example, theuser/owner/operator of the communication device may be provided limitedservices to navigate to the mobile network operator website and selectto renew or newly subscribe for a second subscription of services. Theweb server hosted the website may receive the selection and forward thesubscription information for the second subscription to the networknode, accordingly.

In one or more embodiments, the method 240 can include the network node,at 249, adjusting, over the mobile network, an operational profile onthe communication device according to the subscription informationresulting in an adjusted operational profile. In some embodiments, thenetwork node, through OTA communications, adjusts the operationalprofile to make it active. In other embodiments, the adjusting of theoperational profile comprises providing, over the mobile network via OTAcommunications, instructions to the communication device to trigger thefallback attribute. The triggering of the fallback attribute causes theoperational profile to be active. Having an active operational profileallows the communication device to register with the mobile network sothat it can receive the second group of services of the secondsubscription. Thus, the method 240 can include the network node, at 250,receiving, over the mobile network, a second registration request forthe communication device according to the adjusted operational profile.Further, the method 240 can include the network node, at 251,registering the communication device according to the adjustedoperational profile. In addition, the method 240 can include the networknode, at 252, providing, over the mobile network, the second group ofservices to the communication device according to the adjustedoperational profile.

Referring to FIG. 2F, in one or more embodiments, a communication devicecan be provisioned with an operational profile that can be convertedinto a bootstrap profile upon triggering its fallback attribute.Further, the resulting bootstrap profile can be converted back to theoperational profile by triggering the fallback attribute again. Themethod 253 can include the network node, at 254, determining a firstsubscription associated with a communication device has expired. Thefirst subscription is for a first group of services for a mobilenetwork. Further, the method 253 can include the network node, at 255,providing instructions, over the mobile network via over-the-air (OTA)communications, to the communication device to trigger a fallbackattribute. The triggering of the fallback attribute causes theoperational profile to be inactive. In addition, the method 253 caninclude that triggering of the fallback attribute causes, at 256, thecommunication device to convert the operational profile into thebootstrap profile.

In one or more embodiments, some time later, the user/owner/operator ofthe communication device decides to renew or newly subscribe for asecond group of services (second subscription) with the mobile networkoperator from the mobile network. Consequently, method 253 can includethe network node, at 258, receiving, over the mobile network, a firstregistration request from the communication device. That is, thecommunication device is attempting to register with the bootstrapprofile. In addition, method 253 can include the network node, at 259,detecting, over the mobile network, the bootstrap profile on thecommunication device. Also, method 253 can include the network node, at260, providing, over the mobile network, according to the bootstrapprofile, limited services to the communication device to subscribe to asecond subscription for a second group of services, as described herein.Note, in some embodiments, the first group of services and the secondgroup of services may be the same. The method 240 can include thenetwork node, at 261, facilitating, enabling or allowing thecommunication device renewing or newly subscribing for the secondsubscription for a second group of services. Further, the method 253 caninclude the network node, at 262, obtaining subscription information forthe second subscription for the second group of services from a networkdevice. For example, the user/owner/operator of the communication devicemay be provided limited services to navigate to the mobile networkoperator website and select to renew or newly subscribe for a secondsubscription of services. The web server hosted the website may receivethe selection and forward the subscription information for the secondsubscription to the network node, accordingly.

In one or more embodiments, the method 253 can include the network node,at 263, adjusting, over the mobile network, the bootstrap profile on thecommunication device according to the subscription information. In someembodiments, the network node, through OTA communications, adjusts thebootstrap profile by providing instructions to the communication deviceto trigger the fallback attribute. The method 253 can include, at 264,the triggering of the fallback attribute causing the communicationdevice to convert the bootstrap profile into the operational profile,which is now active. Having an active operational profile allows thecommunication device to register with the mobile network so that it canreceive the second group of services of the second subscription. Thus,the method 253 can include the network node, at 265, receiving, over themobile network, a second registration request for the communicationdevice according to the operational profile. Further, the method 253 caninclude the network node, at 266, registering the communication deviceaccording to the operational profile. In addition, the method 253 caninclude the network node, at 267, providing, over the mobile network,the second group of services to the communication device according tothe operational profile.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIGS. 2E-F,it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matteris not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Portions of embodiments described herein can be combined with otherportions of embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of communicationnetwork 100, the subsystems and functions of systems 200 a, 200 b, 200c, 230, 700 and methods 240, 253, 800, 900 presented in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B,2C, and 3. For example, virtualized communication network 300 canfacilitate in whole or in part communication devices sharing bootstrapprofiles to provide limited services and communication devices sharingoperational profiles to provide subscription services.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general purpose processors or general purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1), suchas an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it'selastic: so the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle-boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized, and might require special DSP code andanalog front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements don't typically need toforward large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributedacross a number of servers—each of which adds a portion of thecapability, and overall which creates an elastic function with higheravailability than its former monolithic version. These virtual networkelements 330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managed using anorchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud, or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from these thirdparty locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 400 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 400 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented viacomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combinationof hardware and software. For example, computing environment 400 canfacilitate in whole or in part communication devices sharing bootstrapprofiles to provide limited services and communication devices sharingoperational profiles to provide subscription services. Further, thenetwork devices, network nodes, communication devices, mobile devices,sensors, smart power meters, IoT devices, and web server can comprisethe computing environment 400.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4, the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example, platform 510 can facilitatein whole or in part communication devices sharing bootstrap profiles toprovide limited services and communication devices sharing operationalprofiles to provide subscription services.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile network platform 510 can generateand receive signals transmitted and received by base stations or accesspoints such as base station or access point 122. Generally, mobilenetwork platform 510 can comprise components, e.g., nodes, gateways,interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms, that facilitate bothpacket-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol (IP), frame relay,asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and circuit-switched (CS) traffic(e.g., voice and data), as well as control generation for networkedwireless telecommunication. As a non-limiting example, mobile networkplatform 510 can be included in telecommunications carrier networks, andcan be considered carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein.Mobile network platform 510 comprises CS gateway node(s) 512 which caninterface CS traffic received from legacy networks like telephonynetwork(s) 540 (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), orpublic land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7)network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 can authorize and authenticatetraffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CSgateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, or roaming, data generatedthrough SS7 network 560; for instance, mobility data stored in a visitedlocation register (VLR), which can reside in memory 530. Moreover, CSgateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PSgateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gatewaynode(s) 512 can be realized at least in part in gateway GPRS supportnode(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that functionality and specificoperation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PS gateway node(s) 518, and servingnode(s) 516, is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilizedby mobile network platform 510 for telecommunication over a radio accessnetwork 520 with other devices, such as a radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WANs 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bymobile network platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through mobile network platform 510 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512and PS gateway node(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to mobilenetwork platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1(s)that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processor can executecode instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It is should beappreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5, and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part communicationdevices sharing bootstrap profiles to provide limited services andcommunication devices sharing operational profiles to providesubscription services. Further, the network devices, network nodes,communication devices, mobile devices, sensors, smart power meters, IoTdevices, and web server can comprise the communication device 600.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 602 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein. In one ormore embodiments, the system 700 comprises a network node 202 acommunicatively coupled to a network device 720 over a communicationnetwork 722 a. The network device 720 can comprise an Identity ProxyFunction (IDF). Further, the network device 720 can be communicativelycoupled to a base station 206 a over a communication network 204 a. Inaddition, the base station 206 a is communicatively coupled to groups ofcommunication devices 702, 704 over a communication network 208. Thatis, each of the communication devices 702 a, 702 b, 702 c, 704 a, 704 b,704 c are communicatively coupled to base station 206 a overcommunication network 208. Communication networks 722 a, 204 a, 208 cancomprise wireless networks (e.g. mobile network, WiFi networks, etc.)and/or a wired network, wireless networks, or a combination thereof.Although the communication devices 702 and 704 are shown as smart lightbulbs, communication devices 702, 704 can also comprise a mobile device(see e.g., reference 212 of FIG. 2D), sensors, smart power meters, smartsprinklers, smart thermostats, IoT devices or any other computingdevice. Accordingly, the communication devices 702 and 704 as shown arefor illustration purposes only.

In one or more embodiments, a first group of communication devices 702may gather data of themselves or their surroundings and send the data toa server over the one or more communication networks 204 a, 208, 722 afor later processing. Further, a user/owner/operator of first group ofcommunication devices 702 can subscribe for subscription services foreach of the first group of communication devices 702 a, 702 b, 702 c.Subscription services can include location, voice, video, messaging,and/or data communication services. In some embodiments, a firstcommunication device 702 a may be replaced by a second communicationdevice 704 a. Reasons for replacement can include, but not limited to,damage to the first communication device 702 a, first communicationdevice 702 a is obsolete, and/or second communication device 704 a hasupgraded features. In such embodiments, the subscription services forthe first communication device 702 a can be terminated prior toregistering the second communication device 704 a.

In one or more embodiments, a first bootstrap profile can be provisionedon the first communication device 702 a and associated with a firstIMSI. Further, a second bootstrap can be provisioned on the secondcommunication device 704 a and associated with a second IMSI. In someembodiments, the first bootstrap profile and the second bootstrapprofile can be a same bootstrap profile. That is, the firstcommunication device 702 a and the second communication device 704 ashare the same bootstrap profile. In other embodiments, the first IMSIand the second IMSI can be a same IMSI. That is, the first communicationdevice 702 a and the second communication device 704 a can share thesame IMSI. However, in further embodiments, the first communicationdevice 702 a is associated with a first international mobile equipmentidentity (IMEI) and the second communication device 704 a is associatedwith the second IMEI.

In one or more embodiments, the IDF of network device 720 can detectthat the first communication device 702 a and the second communicationdevice 704 a share the same bootstrap profile and/or share the sameIMSI. The IDF of network device 720 resolves any registration conflictsin conjunction with network node 202 a due to the first communicationdevice 702 a and the second communication device 704 a sharing the sameIMSI. In some embodiments, the resolution of any registration conflictcan be done using the IMEI of each of the communication devices touniquely identify them. In other embodiments, any registration conflictcan be resolved using an encryption key (i.e. auth_key) assigneduniquely to each communication device. Such resolving of registrationconflicts can include providing or associating a temporary IMSI to thefirst communication device 702 a and/or providing or associating anothertemporary IMSI to the second communication device 704 a. In furtherembodiments, the IDF of the network device 720 can notify, send amessage, send an indication signal or otherwise allow the network node202 a to detect a first bootstrap profile on the first communicationdevice 702 a, detect a second bootstrap profile on the secondcommunication device 704 a, and that the first bootstrap profile and thesecond bootstrap profile are the same. In additional embodiments, theIDF of the network device 720 can notify, send a message, send anindication signal or otherwise allow the network node 202 a to detect afirst IMSI on the first communication device 702 a, detect a second IMSIon the second communication device 704 a, and that the first IMSI andthe second IMSI are the same.

In one or more embodiments, the network node 202 a can determine thatthe first communication device 702 a has terminated subscriptionservices. Further, determining that first communication device 702 a andsecond communication device 704 a share the same bootstrap profile, andthat the first communication device has terminated subscriptionservices, indicates that the second communication device 704 a mayreplace the first communication device 702 a. Accordingly, the networknode 202 a can provide limited services to the second communicationdevice 704 a for the user/owner/operator of the second communicationdevice can subscribe for subscription services, as described herein. Insome embodiments, determining that first communication device 702 a andsecond communication device 704 a share the same IMSI, and that thefirst communication device has terminated subscription services,indicates that the second communication device 704 a may replace thefirst communication device 702 a. Accordingly, the network node 202 acan provide limited services to the second communication device 704 afor the user/owner/operator of the second communication device cansubscribe for subscription services, as described herein.

In one or more embodiments, although the first communication device 702a has terminated subscription services, the network node 202 a canprovide limited services to the first communication device to renewsubscription service or subscribe to different services. Such renewal ofprevious subscription services or subscribing of different services bythe first communication device 702 a can be done prior or afterproviding limited services to the second communication device 704 a forthe user/owner/operator of the second communication device can subscribefor subscription services.

In one or more embodiments, a first group of communication devices 702may be gathering data for an application (e.g. premises security).However, it may be determined that a second group of communicationdevices 704 may be provisioned to augment the first group ofcommunication devices 702 in gathering data for an application. Further,each of the communication devices 702 a, 702 b, 702 c, 704 a, 704 b, 704c can have a same bootstrap profile or share a bootstrap profile (orshare an IMSI).

In one or more embodiments, with the limited services, theowner/operator of the second communication device 704 a can subscribefor subscription services (e.g. by providing limiting services can be asdescribed herein, which can include, e.g. access to website to selectsubscription services). Once subscription services are selected usingthe limited services (as described herein) for the second communicationdevice 704 a, a network device 720 can provide an operational profile tothe second communication device 704 a, using respective OTAcommunications. In additional embodiments, the network device 720 canprovide the same operational profile for each of the second group ofcommunication device 704 a, 704 b, 704 c to share. In other embodiments,the operational profile for the second communication device 704 a can bethe same operational profile that was provided to the firstcommunication device 702 a prior to its termination of services (if thesecond communication device subscribes to the same subscription servicesthat the first communication device had done). In some embodiments, thenetwork device 720 can communicate with a profile management system 226a to determine which IMSIs and corresponding communication devices areto be provided limited services to subscribe or renew subscriptionservices, as described herein. Once a communication device subscribes orrenews the subscription services, an operational profile can be providedto the communication device by the network device 720.

In further embodiments, the IDF of network device 720 can detect theoperational profile each of the second group of communication devices704 a, 704 b, 704 c and resolve any registration conflicts (e.g.providing a temporary IMSI) and allow the network node 202 a to detectthe operational profile for each of the second group of communicationdevices 704 a, 704 b, 704 c, and provide the communication devices 704a, 704 b, 704 c with subscription services according to their sharedoperational profile.

In some embodiments, the same operational profile provisioned to each ofthe second group of communication devices 704 a, 704 b, 704 c can beprovisioned to each of the first group of communication devices 702 a,702 b, 702 c, via OTA communications, when their user/owner/operatorrenews their subscription services or subscribes to different services.Further, the IDF of network device 720 can detect the operationalprofile each of the first group of communication devices 702 a, 702 b,702 c and resolve any registration conflicts (e.g. providing a temporaryIMSI) and allow the network node 202 a to detect the operational profilefor each of the first group of communication devices 702 a, 702 b, 702c, and provide the communication devices 702 a, 702 b, 702 c withsubscription services according to their shared operational profile.

In other embodiments, the network device 720 can update an operationalprofile on a communication device via OTA communications with adifferent IMSI.

In one or more embodiments, the user/owner/operator of first group ofcommunication devices 702 a, 702 b, 702 c and the second group ofcommunication devices 704 a, 704 b, 704 c can subscribe the first groupof communication devices 702 a, 702 b, 702 c with a first set ofsubscription services and subscribe the second group of communicationdevices 704 a, 704 b, 704 c with a second set of subscription services.Thus, the first group of communication devices 702 a, 702 b, 702 c areprovisioned, via OTA communication, with a first operational profileassociated with the first set of subscription services and the secondgroup of communication devices 702 a, 702 b, 702 c are provisioned, viaOTA communication, with a second operational profile associated with thesecond set of subscription services. In further embodiments, the networknode 202 a (after the IDF of network device 720 resolves anyregistration conflicts) detects the first operational profile on each ofthe first group of communication devices 702 a, 702 b, 702 c andprovides the first set of subscription services to the first group ofcommunication devices 702 a, 702 b, 702 c according to the firstoperational profile. In additional embodiments, the network node 202 a(after the IDF of network device 720 resolves any registrationconflicts) detects the second operational profile on each of the secondgroup of communication devices 704 a, 704 b, 704 c and provides thesecond set of subscription services to the second group of communicationdevices 704 a, 704 b, 704 c according to the second operational profile.

In one or more embodiments, the network node 202 a can be provided alist of IMEIs of communication devices that share a bootstrap profile byother network devices. Further, the network node 202 a can obtain anIMEI for the second communication device in response to determining thatthe first communication device 702 a and the second communication 702 ahave the same bootstrap profile. The network node 202 a can checkwhether the IMEI for the second communication device is on the list ofIMEIs of communication devices that share bootstrap profiles and providethe limited services to the second communication device 704 a accordingto the IMEI.

FIGS. 8-9 depict illustrative embodiments of methods in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. Methods 800, 900 can be implemented bya network node described herein. Referring to FIG. 8, in one orembodiments, a network node can be used to provide subscription servicesto a second communication device to replace a first communication device(IoT device) for which subscription services have been terminated. Inother embodiments, the second communication device can subscribe forsubscription services to augment the first communication devices inproviding an application (e.g. premises security). In furtherembodiments, the first communication device can be provided a first setof subscribed services and the second communication device can beprovided a second set of subscribed services to provide an application(e.g. premises security).

In one or more embodiments, the method 800 can include the network node,at 802, detecting a first bootstrap profile on a first communicationdevice. Further, the method 800 can include the network node, at 804,detecting a second bootstrap profile on a second communication device.In addition, the method 800 can include the network node, at 806,determining the first bootstrap profile and the second bootstrap profileare a same bootstrap profile. Also, the method 800 can include thenetwork node, at 808, providing limited services to the secondcommunication device according to the first communication device and thesecond communication device having the same bootstrap profile.

In some embodiments, an owner/operator of the second communicationdevice can use the limited services to subscribe for subscriptionservices for the second communication device (as described herein). Anetwork device for the mobile network can provide an operational profileto the second communication device using OTA communications. Theoperational profile indicates the subscription services to be providedby the mobile network for the second communication device. Further, themethod 800 can include the network node, at 818, detecting theoperational profile for the second communication device, and the method800 can include the network node, at 820, providing subscriptionservices to the second communication device according to the secondoperational profile.

In other embodiments, the network node can detect that the firstcommunication device and the second communication device have or sharethe same IMSI, indicating that the second communication device should beprovide a limited services to select subscription services for thesecond communication device that may be similar to the subscriptionservices for the first communication device. Further, the method 800 caninclude the network node, at 810, detecting a first international mobilesubscriber identity (IMSI) for the first communication device. Inaddition, the method 800 can include the network node, at 812, detectinga second IMSI for the second communication device. Also, the method 800can include the network node, at 814, determining the first IMSI and thesecond IMSI are a same IMSI. The providing of the limited services tothe second communication device can comprise providing the limitedservices to the second communication device according the firstcommunication device and the second communication device having the sameIMSI.

In further embodiments, the network node can obtain the IMEI for thesecond communication device. The network node can keep track of IMEI fora plurality of communication devices that share the same bootstrapprofile and/or operational profile to determine which subscriptionservices are provided to each communication device of the plurality ofcommunication devices based on the IMEI. Further, the method 800 caninclude the network node, at 816, obtaining an IMEI for the secondcommunication device in response to determining that the firstcommunication device and the second communication have the samebootstrap profile. In one or more embodiments, the network node can beprovided a list of IMEIs of communication devices that share a bootstrapprofile by one or more other network devices. Further, the network nodecan obtain an IMEI for the second communication device in response todetermining that the first communication device and the secondcommunication have the same bootstrap profile. The network node cancheck whether the IMEI for the second communication device is on thelist of IMEIs of communication devices that share bootstrap profiles andprovide the limited services to the second communication deviceaccording to the IMEI.

Referring to FIG. 9, in one or more embodiments, the method 900 caninclude the network node, at 902, detecting a first bootstrap profile ona first communication device. In addition, the method 900 can includethe network node, at 904, detecting a second bootstrap profile on asecond communication device. Also, the method 900 can include thenetwork node, at 906, determining the first bootstrap profile and thesecond bootstrap profile are a same bootstrap profile. Further, themethod 900 can include the network node, at 908, providing limitedservices to the first communication device according to the firstcommunication device and the second communication device having the samebootstrap profile, and, at 910, providing limited services to the secondcommunication device according to the first communication device and thesecond communication device having the same bootstrap profile.

In some embodiments, the owner/operator of the first communicationdevice and the second communication device can subscribe forsubscription services for the first communication device and the secondcommunication device. A network device for the mobile network canprovide a first operational profile to both the first communicationdevice and the second communication device using OTA communications. Theoperational profile indicates the subscription services to be providedby the mobile network. Further, the method 900 can include the networknode, at 912, detecting an operational profile for the firstcommunication device. In addition, the method 900 can include thenetwork node, at 914, providing subscription services to the firstcommunication device according to the operational profile. Also, themethod 900 can include the network node, at 916, detecting theoperational profile for the second communication device, and at 918,providing subscription services to the second communication deviceaccording to the operational profile.

Referring to FIGS. 8-9, in one or more embodiments, the methods 800 and900 can include the network node providing the limited services to thesecond communication device, which can comprise providing the limitedservices to the second communication device in response to determining atermination of subscription services for the first communication device.

In one or more embodiments, the methods 800 and 900 can include thenetwork node provisioning a first operational profile, via OTAcommunications, to the first communication device and provisioning asecond operational profile, via OTA communications, to the secondcommunication device. Further, the methods 800 and 900 can include thenetwork node detecting the first operational profile for the firstcommunication device and providing subscription services to the firstcommunication device according to the first operational profile. Inaddition, the methods 800 and 900 can include the network node detectinga second operational profile for the second communication device andproviding subscription services to the second communication deviceaccording to the second operational profile. In some embodiments, thefirst operational profile and the second operational profile are thesame operational profile. Thus, the IDF of a network device can detectthat the first communication device and the second communication devicedetects that the each have the same operational profile and resolves anyregistration conflicts (e.g. provides a temporary IMSI to one or bothcommunication devices). The network node can then provide subscriptionservices to the first communication device and/or the secondcommunication device according to the operational profile they eachshare.

In one or more embodiments, the communication devices can be a group ofIoT devices to be utilized during the same time period. For example, agroup of smart light bulbs can take turns utilizing a shared bootstrapprofile to obtain different operational profiles.

In one or more embodiments, communication devices within a factory thatassist in factory automation can share a bootstrap profile to obtain ashared operational profile or different operational profiles. In someembodiments, the factory can be associated with a virtualized LTEnetwork to provide the operational profiles when the bootstrap profilesare detected.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary operating environment 1000 such as maybe representative of various embodiments. In operating environment 1000,a communication device 1002 operates within a mobile network 1001.Mobile network 1001 includes radio access network 1001A and core network1001B. Wireless communication devices within radio access network 1001Amay wirelessly communicate with nodes of radio access network 1001A inaccordance with a set of wireless access technologies, standards, and/orprotocols. Core network 1001B may provide connectivity to one or moreexternal packet data networks (PDNs). In the non-limiting exampledepicted in FIG. 10, core network 1001B provides connectivity to anexternal PDN 1050, which may represent the Internet according to someembodiments.

In the example of FIG. 10, mobile network 1001 may support remote eUICCmanagement and profile provisioning. To this end, core network 1001B mayinclude a profile manager 1006 and a subscription manager 1008. Profilemanager 1006 may generally be responsible for constructing andinstalling operational profiles on eUICCs of compatible devices in radioaccess network 1001A. Subscription manager 1008 may generally beresponsible for tracking the existence, provisions, and statuses ofsubscriptions arising from service agreements between a service providerassociated with mobile network 1001 and subscribers associated withcommunication devices within radio access network 1001A.

In operating environment 1000, a subscriber associated withcommunication device 1002 may enter into a service agreement with aservice provider associated with mobile network 1001 in order toestablish a subscription to services of mobile network 1001.Subscription manager 1008 may notify profile manager 1006 of theestablishment of this subscription. Profile manager 1006 may constructan operational profile (OP) 1007 comprising subscription informationassociated with the subscription, and may deliver this operationalprofile 1007 to communication device 1002 for installation on an eUICCor component(s) performing the function of an eUICC. Communicationdevice 1002 may then enable operational profile 1007 in order to beginmaking use of provided services. Such services may enable communicationdevice 1002 to establish a wireless data link 1003 with a base station1004 of radio access network 1001A and to engage in uplink (UL) and/ordownlink (DL) data communications with external PDN 1050 via wirelessdata link 103 and core network 1001B.

When communication device 1002 attempts to utilize services provided bymobile network 1001, subscription manager 1008 may notify profilemanager 1006 of the status of the subscription associated withoperational profile 1007. If the subscription is active, profile manager1006 may authorize the provision of services to communication device1002 pursuant to the service agreement associated with operationalprofile 1007. If the subscription has expired, profile manager 1006 maydisallow the provision of services to communication device 1002 underthat service agreement.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary operating environment 1100 such as maybe representative of various embodiments. In operating environment 1100,the subscription associated with operational profile 1007 may beexpired, and profile manager 1006 may disallow the provision of servicesto communication device 1002 under that service agreement. As a result,communication device 1002 may be unable to engage in data communicationswith external PDN 1050 via mobile network 1001. Further, communicationdevice 1002 may be unable to communicate with core network 1001B viaradio access network 1001A, and may thus be unable to communicate withsubscription manager 1008 in order to renew/update its subscription orobtain a new subscription.

In various embodiments, communication device 1002 may use an interimprofile (IP) 1105 to obtain limited connectivity/service from mobilenetwork 1001. In some embodiments, the limited connectivity/service maycomprise controlled connectivity to network elements of a serviceprovider of mobile network 1001, such as may be implemented via a walledgarden. The limited connectivity/service provided by interim profile1105 may facilitate communication with subscription manager 1008. Usingthe limited connectivity/service provided by interim profile 1105,communication device 1002 may communicate with subscription manager 1008in order to establish an active subscription for services of mobilenetwork 1001. In order to begin making use of the services providedunder the active subscription, communication device 1002 may enable anoperational profile 1107 comprising subscription information associatedwith the active subscription. In some embodiments, interim profile 1105may be a bootstrap/provisional profile. In various such embodiments,interim profile 1105 may be obtained by converting an expiredoperational profile—that is, an operational profile associated with anexpired subscription—into a bootstrap/provisional profile. In some otherembodiments, interim profile 1105 may represent an operational profilethat features bootstrapping capabilities, such that it still supportslimited communication with mobile network 1001 even after its associatedsubscription has expired.

In various embodiments, interim profile 1105 may already be stored oncommunication device 1002 prior to expiration of the subscriptionassociated with operational profile 1007. In some embodiments, interimprofile 1105 may be periodically updated or replaced while thesubscription associated with operational profile 1007 is active, inorder to ensure that interim profile 1105 will be usable to obtainsufficient limited connectivity/service upon expiration of thatsubscription. In various embodiments, while the subscription associatedwith operational profile 1007 is active, profile manager 1006 mayoversee and direct periodic updates or replacements of the interimprofile 1105 of communication device 1002. In some other embodiments,communication device 1002 may be responsible for oversight of suchperiodic updates/replacements. In various embodiments, for example,communication device 1002 may periodically query profile manager 1006for updates to—or replacements for—interim profile 1105, and mayupdate/replace interim profile 1105 as needed according to profileupdate/replacement information provided by profile manager 1006.

In some embodiments, communication device 1002 may obtain interimprofile 1105 via OTA communications subsequent to expiration of thesubscription associated with operational profile 1007. In variousembodiments, for example, operational profile 1007 may be configuredwith bootstrapping functionality according to which it providessufficient connectivity to obtain interim profile 1105 from profilemanager 1006 via radio access network 1001A following expiration of thesubscription associated with operational profile 1007. It is worthy ofnote that in some other embodiments, operational profile 1007 may beconverted into a bootstrap/provisional profile constituting interimprofile 1105, or may itself serve as interim profile 1105, and thus OTAcommunications may not be required.

In various embodiments, communication device 1002 may obtain interimprofile 1105 using data connectivity provided by a network external tomobile network 1001. In some embodiments, for example, communicationdevice 1002 may establish a wireless link 1103A with a Wi-Fi accesspoint 1104A, and may obtain interim profile 1105 from profile manager1006 via Wi-Fi access point 1104A, an intermediate network 1101A, andexternal PDN 1050. In another example, communication device 1002 may becommunicatively coupled with a local area network (LAN) node 1104B, andmay obtain interim profile 1105 from profile manager 1006 via LAN node1104B, an intermediate network 1101B, and external PDN 1050.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary operating environment 1200 such as maybe representative of various embodiments. In operating environment 1200,a communication device 1202 may interact with vendor equipment 1210 inconjunction with establishing a subscription to services of a mobilenetwork 1201. Namely, as reflected in FIG. 12, vendor equipment 1210 mayprovide a QR code 1212 that communication device 1202 can scan in orderto initiate a process for subscribing to services of mobile network1201. In various embodiments, scanning QR code 1212 may trigger downloadof an interim profile 1205 for mobile network 1201. In some embodiments,interim profile 1205 may comprise a bootstrap/provisional profile thatprovides walled garden cellular data connectivity to a carrier servingmobile network 1201. In various embodiments, enabling interim profile1205 may automatically trigger download and installation of a carrierapp associated with the carrier. In some embodiments, the carrier appmay enable the purchase of a subscription plan from the carrier. Invarious embodiments, following purchase of a subscription plan, aprofile manager (not shown) of mobile network 1201 may providecommunication device 1202 with an operational profile 1207 that enablesit to utilize services of mobile network 1201 in accordance with thesubscription plan.

In some embodiments, scanning QR code 1212 may trigger download of anoperational profile 1207 rather than an interim profile 1205. In varioussuch embodiments, operational profile 1207 may initially support onlylimited bootstrapping connectivity sufficient to enable downloading thecarrier app and purchasing a subscription plan. In such embodiments, thecarrier may activate the full functionality of operational profile 1207upon subscription plan purchase, such that operational profile 1007enables communication device 1202 to utilize services of mobile network1201 in accordance with the subscription plan. The embodiments are notlimited in this context.

FIG. 13 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 1300 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. While for purposes ofsimplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown anddescribed as a series of blocks in FIG. 13, it is to be understood andappreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the orderof the blocks, as some blocks can occur in different orders and/orconcurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and describedherein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required toimplement the methods described herein.

As shown in FIG. 13, an expiration of a subscription for services of amobile network may be detected at 1302. For example, in operatingenvironment 1100 of FIG. 11, communication device 1002 may detect that asubscription associated with operational profile 1007 has expired. At1304, an interim profile may be enabled that provides limitedconnectivity facilitating communication with a subscription manager nodeof the mobile network. For example, at communication device 1002 inoperating environment 1100 of FIG. 11, interim profile 1105 may beenabled to provide communication device 1002 with limited connectivitythat facilitates communication with subscription manager 1008. At 1306,an active subscription for services of the mobile network may beestablished by communicating with the subscription manager node. Forexample, in operating environment 1100 of FIG. 11, communication device1002 may communicate with subscription manager 1008 in order toestablish an active subscription for services of mobile network 1001. At1308, an operational profile may be enabled that comprises subscriptioninformation associated with the active subscription. For example, inoperating environment 1100 of FIG. 11, communication device 1002 mayenable operational profile 1107, which may comprise subscriptioninformation associated with an active subscription for services ofmobile network 1001. The embodiments are not limited to these examples.

FIG. 14 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 1400 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. While for purposes ofsimplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown anddescribed as a series of blocks in FIG. 14, it is to be understood andappreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the orderof the blocks, as some blocks can occur in different orders and/orconcurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and describedherein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required toimplement the methods described herein.

As shown in FIG. 14, a wireless data link may be established via awireless local area network at 1402. For example, in operatingenvironment 1100 of FIG. 11, wireless data link 1103A may be establishedvia a wireless local area network served by access point 1104A. At 1404,an interim profile may be obtained via the wireless data link thatsupports communicating with a mobile network. For example, in operatingenvironment 1100 of FIG. 11, communication device 1002 may obtaininterim profile 1105, which may support communicating with mobilenetwork 1001. At 1406, the interim profile may be enabled to establishlimited connectivity over the mobile network. For example, in operatingenvironment 1100 of FIG. 11, communication device 1002 may enableinterim profile 1105 to establish limited connectivity over mobilenetwork 1001.

At 1408, an active subscription for services of the mobile network maybe established by communicating with a subscription manager node of themobile network. For example, in operating environment 1100 of FIG. 11,communication device 1002 may communicate with subscription manager 1008in order to establish an active subscription for services of mobilenetwork 1001. At 1410, an operational profile may be enabled thatcomprises subscription information associated with the activesubscription. For example, in operating environment 1100 of FIG. 11,communication device 1002 may enable operational profile 1107, which maycomprise subscription information associated with an active subscriptionfor services of mobile network 1001. The embodiments are not limited tothese examples.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for carrying out various embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . ,xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

1. A communication device, comprising: a processing system including aprocessor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, whenexecuted by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations,the operations comprising: periodically updating, utilizing Over-The-Air(OTA) communications, an interim profile stored by the communicationdevice while a first mobile network subscription associated with thecommunication device is active, the updating comprising receivinginformation and storing the information on the interim profile, theinformation being associated with providing limited connectivity over asecond mobile network; detecting an expiration of the first mobilenetwork subscription associated with the communication device, whereinthe subscription is for services of a first operator of the first mobilenetwork; enabling the interim profile to provide the limitedconnectivity over the second mobile network, wherein the limitedconnectivity facilitates communication with a website of a secondoperator of the second mobile network to select and forward subscriptioninformation to a subscription manager node of the second mobile network;communicating with the subscription manager node to establish an activesubscription for services of the second operator of the second mobilenetwork, wherein the services of the first operator of the first mobilenetwork and the services of the second operator of the second mobilenetwork are different; and enabling a first operational profilecomprising subscription information associated with the activesubscription.
 2. The communication device of claim 1, wherein theinterim profile includes further information associated with providinglimited connectivity over the first mobile network, the operationsfurther comprising enabling the interim profile to provide the limitedconnectivity over the first mobile network, wherein the limitedconnectivity over the first mobile network facilitates communicationwith a website of the first operator of the first mobile network toselect and forward subscription information to a subscription managernode of the first mobile network.
 3. The communication device of claim1, the operations further comprising: determining that a WiFi network isunavailable; wherein the enabling the interim profile to provide thelimited connectivity over the second mobile network is responsive to thedetermining that the WiFi network is unavailable.
 4. The communicationdevice of claim 3, wherein the interim profile includes mobile networkoperator data, credentials and applications that allow for the limitedconnectivity over the second mobile network while restricting theservices over the first mobile network.
 5. The communication device ofclaim 1, the operations further comprising: responsive to the detectingthe expiration of the first mobile network subscription, triggering afallback attribute in the first operational profile to cause the firstoperational profile to be inactive, wherein the enabling the firstoperational profile comprises triggering the fallback attribute to makethe first operational profile active.
 6. The communication device ofclaim 1, wherein the first operational profile comprises mobile networkoperator data, credentials and applications that allow for the servicesover the second mobile network corresponding to the active subscription.7. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the interim profile isprovisioned on a subscriber identification module (SIM) of thecommunication device.
 8. The communication device of claim 1, whereinthe limited connectivity comprises controlled connectivity to networkelements of a service provider of the second mobile network.
 9. Anon-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising executableinstructions that, when executed by a processing system including aprocessor of a communication device, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: detecting an expiration of asubscription associated with the communication device, wherein thesubscription is for services of a first mobile network; responsive tothe detecting the expiration of the subscription, triggering a fallbackattribute in an operational profile to cause the operational profile tobe inactive; obtaining, by the processing system via an externalnetwork, an interim profile that provides limited connectivity via acellular data connection over a second mobile network that is distinctfrom the external network; enabling the interim profile that providesthe limited connectivity over the second mobile network, wherein thelimited connectivity facilitates communication with a subscriptionmanager node of the second mobile network and a profile manager node ofthe second mobile network; communicating with the subscription managernode to establish an active subscription for services of the secondmobile network; and triggering the fallback attribute in the operationalprofile to activate the operational profile, wherein the operationalprofile comprises subscription information associated with the activesubscription.
 10. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 9,wherein the operations further comprise: enabling the operationalprofile; and utilizing the services of the second mobile network forcommunication with a packet data network, via the second mobile network.11. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 9, wherein theinterim profile comprises a bootstrap profile.
 12. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the external networkcomprises a WiFi network.
 13. The non-transitory machine-readable mediumof claim 9, wherein the interim profile comprises a second operationalprofile featuring bootstrapping capabilities.
 14. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the operations furthercomprise obtaining the interim profile from a profile manager node ofthe second mobile network.
 15. The non-transitory machine-readablemedium of claim 9, wherein the operations further comprise provisioningthe interim profile on a subscriber identification module (SIM) of thecommunication device.
 16. A method, comprising: detecting an expirationof a subscription associated with a communication device, wherein thesubscription is for services of a first mobile network; responsive tothe detecting the expiration of the subscription, triggering a fallbackattribute in an operational profile to cause the operational profile tobe inactive; scanning, by a processing system of the communicationdevice, a barcode; responsive to the scanning, receiving, by theprocessing system via wireless communication and based on the barcode,an interim profile that provides limited connectivity via a cellulardata connection over a second mobile network, wherein the limitedconnectivity facilitates communication with a subscription manager nodeof the second mobile network and a profile manager node of the secondmobile network; communicating, by the processing system, with thesubscription manager node to establish an active subscription forservices of the second mobile network; triggering the fallback attributein the operational profile to activate the operational profile, whereinthe operational profile comprises subscription information associatedwith the active subscription; enabling, by the processing system, theoperational profile; and utilizing, by the processing system, theservices of the second mobile network for communication with a packetdata network, via the mobile network.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the scanning of the barcode is from vendor equipment, andwherein the interim profile comprises a bootstrap profile.
 18. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the receiving of the interim profile causesinstallation at the communication device of a carrier application. 19.The method of claim 16, wherein the interim profile comprises a secondoperational profile featuring bootstrapping capabilities.
 20. The methodof claim 18, wherein the carrier application corresponds to an entitythat is different from a previous entity providing services to thecommunication device.